Texans waive Smelley, Jackson; sign rookie TE Coyle

New coach, new quarterback, new team. The 2013 Texans were a Super Bowl contender. The 2014 Texans are an unpredictable preseason mess, possessing Pro Bowl talent at some positions while still trying to figure out who will start where and when for a multitude of slots. Not every area is up for grabs, despite first-year coach Bill O’Brien’s consistent reminders. But for the first time in years, the Texans’ month-plus preseason run should be fascinating from start to finish. less

New coach, new quarterback, new team. The 2013 Texans were a Super Bowl contender. The 2014 Texans are an unpredictable preseason mess, possessing Pro Bowl talent at some positions while still trying to figure ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Ryan Fitzpatrick - Starting quarterback

Analysis: This position was set in 2013. Then it and the Texans fell apart. Matt Schaub is gone. T.J. Yates was semi-released, then traded. Now, the Texans turn to a still-unproven journeyman in Fitzpatrick, who is entering his 10th season but has never appeared in a playoff game. If Fitzpatrick fails or is injured, it’s Keenum Redux for the Texans, who went 0-8 under the former University of Houston star last season. You’ll know the Texans are lost again if Savage, a rookie project drafted in the fourth round, is running the offense by Week 12. less

Ryan Fitzpatrick - Starting quarterback

Analysis: This position was set in 2013. Then it and the Texans fell apart. Matt Schaub is gone. T.J. Yates was semi-released, then traded. Now, the Texans turn to a ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Case Keenum - Backup quarterback

Case Keenum - Backup quarterback

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Tom Savage - Backup quarterback

Tom Savage - Backup quarterback

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Arian Foster - Starting running back

Analysis: Like the Texans, Foster was a mess in 2013. Like the Texans, Foster has the potential to rebound this season and again shake up the league. Foster was one of the premier dual threats in the NFL from 2010-12. He was never right in 2013, limited by injuries and only playing in eight games before undergoing season-ending back injury. His future with the Texans and career arc are on the line in 2014. Brown and Blue will combine to replace former backup Ben Tate, who traded Houston for Cleveland during the offseason. less

Arian Foster - Starting running back

Analysis: Like the Texans, Foster was a mess in 2013. Like the Texans, Foster has the potential to rebound this season and again shake up the league. Foster was one of ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Andre Brown - Backup running back

Andre Brown - Backup running back

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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Alfred Blue - Backup running back

Alfred Blue - Backup running back

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Dennis Johnson - Backup running back

Dennis Johnson - Backup running back

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Brad Smelley - Starting fullback (Cut on 7/22)

Analysis: An increasingly unsexy position in the NFL could become a key component of the Texans’ resurgent running game this season. Former starter Greg Jones has departed, leaving rookie Prosch and little-used Smelley as Foster’s run blocker. The Texans will often use two tight end or three wide receiver sets. But when they power forward, coach Bill O’Brien will occasionally go old school near the line of scrimmage. less

Brad Smelley - Starting fullback (Cut on 7/22)

Analysis: An increasingly unsexy position in the NFL could become a key component of the Texans’ resurgent running game this season. Former starter Greg ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Jay Prosch - Backup fullback

Jay Prosch - Backup fullback

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Andre Johnson - Starting wide receiver

Analysis: Johnson is the best player in franchise history but hasn’t practiced under O’Brien and isn’t expected to report Friday, when training camp begins. Hopkins had a strong rookie season overall, but caught three or less receptions in six of his final seven games. Still, the position could be an unexpected strength for the Texans in 2014, if Fitzpatrick locks in, Johnson is his normal self and second-tier receivers such as Posey and Martin finally take a step forward. It could also be one of the team’s many weak points. Posey and Martin will compete for the slot position, which should see increased use under O’Brien. less

Andre Johnson - Starting wide receiver

Analysis: Johnson is the best player in franchise history but hasn’t practiced under O’Brien and isn’t expected to report Friday, when training camp begins. ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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DeAndre Hopkins - Starting wide receiver

Analysis: Johnson is the best player in franchise history but hasn’t practiced under O’Brien and isn’t expected to report Friday, when training camp begins. Hopkins had a strong rookie season overall, but caught three or less receptions in six of his final seven games. Still, the position could be an unexpected strength for the Texans in 2014, if Fitzpatrick locks in, Johnson is his normal self and second-tier receivers such as Posey and Martin finally take a step forward. It could also be one of the team’s many weak points. Posey and Martin will compete for the slot position, which should see increased use under O’Brien. less

DeAndre Hopkins - Starting wide receiver

Analysis: Johnson is the best player in franchise history but hasn’t practiced under O’Brien and isn’t expected to report Friday, when training camp begins. ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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DeVier Posey - Backup wide receiver

DeVier Posey - Backup wide receiver

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Keshawn Martin - Backup wide receiver

Keshawn Martin - Backup wide receiver

Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

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Mike Thomas - Backup wide receiver

Mike Thomas - Backup wide receiver

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Garrett Graham - Starting tight end

Analysis: Graham’s 2013 ascension allowed the Texans to part ways with veteran Owen Daniels, a longtime starter who became an offseason salary cap casualty. Griffin’s late surge during his 2013 rookie season provides hope for 2014, which should see O’Brien often utilizing a two tight-end set that mirrors the New England Patriots’ offense. Fiedorowicz, a third-round pick from Iowa, was smooth during offseason workouts and could be a factor as the season progresses. less

Garrett Graham - Starting tight end

Analysis: Graham’s 2013 ascension allowed the Texans to part ways with veteran Owen Daniels, a longtime starter who became an offseason salary cap casualty. Griffin’s ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Ryan Griffin - Starting tight end

Analysis: Graham’s 2013 ascension allowed the Texans to part ways with veteran Owen Daniels, a longtime starter who became an offseason salary cap casualty. Griffin’s late surge during his 2013 rookie season provides hope for 2014, which should see O’Brien often utilizing a two tight-end set that mirrors the New England Patriots’ offense. Fiedorowicz, a third-round pick from Iowa, was smooth during offseason workouts and could be a factor as the season progresses. less

Ryan Griffin - Starting tight end

Analysis: Graham’s 2013 ascension allowed the Texans to part ways with veteran Owen Daniels, a longtime starter who became an offseason salary cap casualty. Griffin’s ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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C.J. Fiedorowicz - Backup tight end

C.J. Fiedorowicz - Backup tight end

Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

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Duane Brown - Starting left tackle

Analysis: The anchor of the Texans’ offensive line is coming off an unfulfilling 2013. Brown has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and was a 2012 All Pro. But he wasn’t his normal rock-like self last season, playing through a foot injury while sometimes appearing out of rhythm. He added weight this offseason and enters training camp primed for a rebound. less

Duane Brown - Starting left tackle

Analysis: The anchor of the Texans’ offensive line is coming off an unfulfilling 2013. Brown has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and was a 2012 All Pro. But he ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Brennan Williams - Backup left tackle (cut on 7/21)

Not pictured: Will Yeatman

Brennan Williams - Backup left tackle (cut on 7/21)

Not pictured: Will Yeatman

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Xavier Su'a-Filo - Starting left guard

Analysis: The anchor of the Texans’ offensive line is coming off an unfulfilling 2013. Brown has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and was a 2012 All Pro. But he wasn’t his normal rock-like self last season, playing through a foot injury while sometimes appearing out of rhythm. He added weight this offseason and enters training camp primed for a rebound. less

Xavier Su'a-Filo - Starting left guard

Analysis: The anchor of the Texans’ offensive line is coming off an unfulfilling 2013. Brown has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and was a 2012 All Pro. But ... more

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Ben Jones - Backup left guard

Ben Jones - Backup left guard

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Myers - Starting center

Analysis: Myers has started every regular-season game since 2007 and joins Brown as the core of the Texans’ line. With left guard and right tackle unsettled, O’Brien will count on Myers and Brown to guide the Texans through training camp and the first half of an unpredictable season. Myers is the Texans’ most underrated lineman but a pivotal figure on the field and in the locker room. less

Chris Myers - Starting center

Analysis: Myers has started every regular-season game since 2007 and joins Brown as the core of the Texans’ line. With left guard and right tackle unsettled, O’Brien will ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Ben Jones - Backup center

Ben Jones - Backup center

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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James Ferentz - Backup center

James Ferentz - Backup center

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Brandon Brooks - Starting right guard

Analysis: Brooks started 15 of 16 games last season in just his second year in the league, cementing himself as the Texans’ right guard of the future. With veteran Wade Smith departing, Brooks joins Brown and Myers as the foundation of the team’s line, which must consistently open holes for Foster and keep Fitzpatrick, 31, off the turf. less

Brandon Brooks - Starting right guard

Analysis: Brooks started 15 of 16 games last season in just his second year in the league, cementing himself as the Texans’ right guard of the future. With veteran ... more

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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Cody White (67) - Backup right guard

Cody White (67) - Backup right guard

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Derek Newton - Starting right tackle

Analysis: The good: Newton has started 30 of 32 combined games the last two seasons. The bad: The Texans’ starting right tackle is Newton, who was consistently rotated out of his position last year and enters training camp as the biggest question mark on the line. The Texans continue to stand behind the fourth-year tackle from Arkansas State. But if Newton falters again, he may never get another chance to be a starter in Houston. less

Derek Newton - Starting right tackle

Analysis: The good: Newton has started 30 of 32 combined games the last two seasons. The bad: The Texans’ starting right tackle is Newton, who was consistently rotated ... more

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Brennan Williams - Backup right tackle (cut on 7/21)

Not pictured: Will Yeatman

Brennan Williams - Backup right tackle (cut on 7/21)

Not pictured: Will Yeatman

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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J.J. Watt - Starting left defensive end

Analysis: Can Watt get better? He should in 2014, thanks to a loaded defensive front seven that could be one of the best in the NFL. Watt may never again approach his league-leading 20.5 sack total from 2012, when he was the defensive player of the year. But while the fourth-year pro will have to adjust to new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel’s two-gap, 3-4 defense, Watt should also benefit from opposing lines constantly trying to figure out who to block and when, leaving open space for one of the league’s elite defenders. less

J.J. Watt - Starting left defensive end

Analysis: Can Watt get better? He should in 2014, thanks to a loaded defensive front seven that could be one of the best in the NFL. Watt may never again approach his ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Tim Jamison - Backup left defensive end

Tim Jamison - Backup left defensive end

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Louis Nix III - Starting nose tackle

Analysis: Like left offensive guard, the Texans’ nose tackle position comes down to a promising but unproven rookie and a less-than-ideal backup. Nix was the No. 83 overall selection of the 2014 draft and will win the spot with a strong training camp. If he falters, the Texans will turn to Powe, who has only started one game in three seasons but is familiar with Crennel’s scheme from their time in Kansas City. less

Louis Nix III - Starting nose tackle

Analysis: Like left offensive guard, the Texans’ nose tackle position comes down to a promising but unproven rookie and a less-than-ideal backup. Nix was the No. 83 ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Jerrell Powe - Backup nose tackle

Jerrell Powe - Backup nose tackle

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Jared Crick - Starting right defensive end

Analysis: Crick was good enough to play in all 16 games for the 2-14 Texans in 2013, but was only talented enough to start one. A strong offseason and the lack of a true answer at right end finds the Texans counting on a 2014 surge from the third-year pro, who has added muscle and understands this year is a make-or-break situation during his tenure in Houston. less

Jared Crick - Starting right defensive end

Analysis: Crick was good enough to play in all 16 games for the 2-14 Texans in 2013, but was only talented enough to start one. A strong offseason and the lack of ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Jeoffrey Pagan - Backup right defensive end

Jeoffrey Pagan - Backup right defensive end

Photo: Michael Conroy / ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Keith Browner - Backup right defensive end

Keith Browner - Backup right defensive end

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Whitney Mercilus - Starting left outside linebacker

Analysis: For the Texans’ front seven to be as dominating as some predict, returning linebackers Brooks Reed and Mercilus must stride forward. Mercilus was off and on during the 2013 season, starting 16 games and collecting seven sacks with 47 total tackles, but regularly disappearing from action. Ricky Sapp, Jeff Tarpinian, Justin Tuggle, Akeem Dent, Mike Mohamed and Max Bullough will compete for backup time. less

Whitney Mercilus - Starting left outside linebacker

Analysis: For the Texans’ front seven to be as dominating as some predict, returning linebackers Brooks Reed and Mercilus must stride forward. Mercilus ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Brian Cushing - Starting left inside linebacker

Analysis: Foster could key the Texans’ offensive resurgence. Cushing can ignite the defense. The toughest Texan in uniform has played just 12 combined games the last two seasons, suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries and spending more time on the sideline than the field. He plans to be ready for Week 1 this year and is primed for a return to form during what could be a career-defining season. less

Brian Cushing - Starting left inside linebacker

Analysis: Foster could key the Texans’ offensive resurgence. Cushing can ignite the defense. The toughest Texan in uniform has played just 12 combined games ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Brooks Reed - Starting right inside linebacker

Analysis: Reed has yet to become the linebacker the Texans believe he can be. If he can’t do it in 2014, it’s likely never going to happen. Playing off rookie Jadeveon Clowney, Watt, Cushing and Mercilus, there’s no reason Reed shouldn’t at least approach 10 sacks. He has just 5.5 combined quarterback takedowns the last two seasons. Reed and Cushing are interchangeable inside, giving Crennel multiple options and Reed multiple opportunities to finally break out. less

Brooks Reed - Starting right inside linebacker

Analysis: Reed has yet to become the linebacker the Texans believe he can be. If he can’t do it in 2014, it’s likely never going to happen. Playing off ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Jadeveon Clowney - Starting right outside linebacker

Analysis: Clowney joins Fitzpatrick as the biggest what-if on the Texans. Transitioning from defensive end to weakside outside linebacker, Clowney will regularly play on the opposite side of the field from Watt, though Crennel will sometimes stack the duo together. Mercilus and Reed are question marks with potential. Clowney is a no-give must. For the Texans’ defense to lock down in 2014, the No. 1 overall pick must make an immediate impact in a win-now league. less

Jadeveon Clowney - Starting right outside linebacker

Analysis: Clowney joins Fitzpatrick as the biggest what-if on the Texans. Transitioning from defensive end to weakside outside linebacker, Clowney will ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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Johnathan Joseph - Starting cornerback

Analysis: The Texans’ secondary was regularly toast in 2013, with the cornerback and safety positions prone to poorly timed letdowns. Joseph and Jackson are expected to be the only long-term returning starters and Crennel will count on the duo to provide much-needed experience. The back four should be better in 2014. But the uneven unit will still be a liability. less

Johnathan Joseph - Starting cornerback

Analysis: The Texans’ secondary was regularly toast in 2013, with the cornerback and safety positions prone to poorly timed letdowns. Joseph and Jackson are expected ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Kareem Jackson - Starting cornerback

Analysis: The Texans’ secondary was regularly toast in 2013, with the cornerback and safety positions prone to poorly timed letdowns. Joseph and Jackson are expected to be the only long-term returning starters and Crennel will count on the duo to provide much-needed experience. The back four should be better in 2014. But the uneven unit will still be a liability. less

Kareem Jackson - Starting cornerback

Analysis: The Texans’ secondary was regularly toast in 2013, with the cornerback and safety positions prone to poorly timed letdowns. Joseph and Jackson are expected ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Brandon Harris - Backup cornerback

Brandon Harris - Backup cornerback

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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A.J. Bouye - Backup cornerback

A.J. Bouye - Backup cornerback

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Elbert Mack - Backup cornerback

Elbert Mack - Backup cornerback

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Josh Victorian - Backup cornerback

Josh Victorian - Backup cornerback

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Andre Hal - Backup cornerback

Andre Hal - Backup cornerback

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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D.J. Swearinger - Starting safety

Analysis: Swearinger at times showed promise during his rookie 2013 campaign. But the free-spirited, hard-hitting safety was also a backward symbol of everything wrong with the Texans’ undisciplined defense. Lewis started 15 games for Kansas City last season, while Clemons started every game for Miami the past two years. less

D.J. Swearinger - Starting safety

Analysis: Swearinger at times showed promise during his rookie 2013 campaign. But the free-spirited, hard-hitting safety was also a backward symbol of everything wrong with ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Kendrick Lewis - Starting safety

Analysis: Swearinger at times showed promise during his rookie 2013 campaign. But the free-spirited, hard-hitting safety was also a backward symbol of everything wrong with the Texans’ undisciplined defense. Lewis started 15 games for Kansas City last season, while Clemons started every game for Miami the past two years. less

Kendrick Lewis - Starting safety

Analysis: Swearinger at times showed promise during his rookie 2013 campaign. But the free-spirited, hard-hitting safety was also a backward symbol of everything wrong with ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Clemons - Backup safety

Chris Clemons - Backup safety

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Shiloh Keo - Backup safety

Shiloh Keo - Backup safety

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Eddie Pleasant - Backup safety

Eddie Pleasant - Backup safety

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Lonnie Ballentine - Backup safety

Lonnie Ballentine - Backup safety

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Jawanza Starling - Backup safety

Jawanza Starling - Backup safety

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Shane Lechler - Starting punter

Analysis: The Texans’ horrendous 2013 season even got to Lechler, who started the year as one of the league’s best but somewhat trailed off as losses mounted. The expected Hall of Fame candidate is still a defensive weapon at 37, averaging 47.6 yards per punt last season, which ranked fifth in the NFL. Dependable longsnapper Jon Weeks returns and is locked into his role. less

Shane Lechler - Starting punter

Analysis: The Texans’ horrendous 2013 season even got to Lechler, who started the year as one of the league’s best but somewhat trailed off as losses mounted. The ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Randy Bullock - Starting place kicker

Analysis: The Texans’ best training camp competition could be at the least glamorous position. Bullock’s job was on the line by midseason last year, when he missed three of four kicks in the Texans’ 27-24 home loss to Indianapolis on Nov. 3. He responded by converting his final 11 field-goal attempts. Former Rice kicker Chris Boswell was acquired to challenge Bullock. A strong camp by the ex-Owl could force O’Brien to make a critical decision before Week 1. less

Randy Bullock - Starting place kicker

Analysis: The Texans’ best training camp competition could be at the least glamorous position. Bullock’s job was on the line by midseason last year, when he missed ... more

Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

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Chris Boswell - Backup place kicker

Chris Boswell - Backup place kicker

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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Keshawn Martin - Starting returner

Analysis: Martin was the Texans’ kickoff and punt returner last season. Despite showing promise at the end of the year, O’Brien said during offseason workouts that both spots are up for grabs, leaving multiple players competing for two roles. Expect Martin to fill both spots this season, though, with the Texans counting on the third-year receiver to pay off on his experience. less

Keshawn Martin - Starting returner

Analysis: Martin was the Texans’ kickoff and punt returner last season. Despite showing promise at the end of the year, O’Brien said during offseason workouts that ... more

The Texans signed rookie tight end Chris Coyle. After going undrafted, the Arizona State product participated in recent offseason workouts with the Texans. Coyle caught 29 passes for 423 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Sun Devils.